Dyson helps to fill Tory policy vacuum

There has been a long and expectant wait for the Conservative party to outline its vision for research.

Now, at last, we have a glimpse of what is going through the mind of the party, thanks to a report commissioned by the leader, David Cameron, from the industrial designer James Dyson, who is best known for his vacuum cleaner.

The report, Ingenious Britain, is engaging and adds to the emerging consensus of where science and technology is heading.
Although it did not reveal startling new truths, I found this reassuring. If the experts cannot see a consistent path forward, it seems a bit rich to expect politicians to.

As a bonus, it did bring something new to the table - the Conservative seal of approval.

All three reports urge closer links between universities, industry and the research charities, as well as support for the Technology Strategy Board. They all recommend retaining a favourable research and development tax credit system to encourage industry investment, although the Dyson report has a somewhat provocative suggestion to refocus this.

They also all urge improved financing for high-tech start-ups with better use of government procurement. And throughout all, is the need to take a long-term view and make long-term plans.

The Dyson report's vision is to make the UK the leading high-tech exporter in Europe.

David Cameron said, "I'm excited about this future and I'm impatient to make it happen. From day one of a Conservative government we'll encourage the entrepreneurs who will start the businesses which will drive the industries which will create the high-paying jobs this country needs."

However, there is a step between educating scientists and engineers, and them becoming entrepreneurs. That step typically occurs in our broad, excellent and internationally acclaimed research base.

Dyson was not actually asked to consider this vital step, although he does note the need to signal a long-term commitment to blue skies research.

Scientists will also be disappointed to see that the Dyson report says little about actual levels of investment.

Perhaps the Conservatives are intending to embrace the recommendations for long-term and increasing spending in R&D made by the Royal Society and the CST, and of course, Building our Future with Science and Engineering, which the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) published today.

CaSE also wrote to David Cameron and the other party leaders this week. asking them to set out their science and engineering policies prior to the election. We hope to read more about their long-term investment plans for the future of science and engineering when they respond.

The real fear is that many politicians will see the emerging case to maintain or grow science funding as special pleading, rather than an investment in the future of the British economy.

Our job is to present them with the arguments, backed up with the evidence, that investing in science is the right decision to make.

I bet the report thinks scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs should all work together in perfect harmony under a Conservative Government and everyone will love each other all the time, just like they love all of us.

It is wise to be wary until George Osborne comes up with concrete projects with realistic cost estimates and time frames. This is a once in a lifetime chances for politicians to get to grips with the most important wealth generating sector. I suspect that they and the civil servants will be unable to articulate anything that inspires business people, but there is no reason also to abandon hope.

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